Duel of the Felines

The unfurling of the 2011 Premiership flag for Geelong could have come under better circumstances, instead, they are 1-2 and possibly staring down the barrel. While no one doubts their past credentials, the loss to North Melbourne raises questions. A steadying win here will do them a world of good in their top-4 hunt.

Richmond, meanwhile, are somewhat on the up. The thumping of Melbourne in Round 3 was a good first win on the board, but now to head down to Geelong and attempt to back it up will be surely difficult. Nevertheless, the Tigers are going to have to beat better teams if they hope to make the eight.

James Podsiadly - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesdphotography/

Key Match-ups

Whoever Geelong fields today v Ivan Maric: Geelong’s ruck situation is problematic. West and Stephenson both are possibles to line up, but neither have been as good as Ottens. On the Tigers’ side, Ivan Maric has been a breath of fresh (h)air to a Richmond midfield that struggled for service in 2011.

Jack Riewoldt & Tyrone Vickery v Tom Lonergan & Harry Taylor: The highly rated Richmond forward duo have not been anywhere near as good as in 2011 so far. Even last week, where both Vickery and Riewoldt had plenty of service, they struggled to genuinely damage the scoreboard.

The midfield duel: On one hand, you have a Brownlow medallist and three triple-premiership players. On the other, a bloke who was judged to be washed up before 2012 and two of the best young mids going around. James Bartel, Joel Corey and Joel Selwood have the edge on paper, but if Shane Tuck, Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin get going, anything could happen.

Final Word:

Melbourne supporters call the trip down the highway ‘Mordor’ for a reason.